By Stefan Coerts

The creative midfielder is unperturbed by press stories about his playing form, while adding that he's unaware of any transfer rumours linking him with Manchester United

Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil feels he has nothing to prove in the wake of recent criticism in the Spanish papers.

The Germany international impressed against Barcelona on Sunday after a number of relatively disappointing outings earlier this season, but Ozil has insisted that his performance against the Catalans had nothing to do with the negative words in the press.

"I don't need criticism to improve my performances. I don't play football to try and prove someone wrong. I have nothing to prove. I play football because I like doing so," Ozil stated to Bild.

"The criticism was undeserved. I have to get used to it, though. The choice of words from Spanish journalists tends to be a bit harsh."

The Germany international also briefly discussed the alleged interest of Manchester United, and stressed he has no interest in leaving Real Madrid.

"I don't know anything about that [Manchester United's interest]. There is absolutely no reason for me to leave Real Madrid."